OWYHEE COUNTY, Idaho — The Homedale woman who went missing in early July was found deceased in Oregon, her family members said Thursday.
The Owyhee County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that Kathy Jo Jones had been located, but did not provide details about her condition.
Kathy's husband, Dean Jones, confirmed to KTVB Thursday that she was not found alive. Her family reported her vehicle had been found out of gas and believes she was unable to find relief from the extreme heat.
On July 8, Kathy Jo Jones, 63, left "to go to the mountains". Police and family were concerned in part because she has physical and mental disabilities that require medication.
The sheriff's office press release stated Jones and her vehicle were located and "she is no longer a missing person", but did not disclose her condition.
KTVB reached out to the sheriff's office for more information, but was told the investigation is still ongoing, and would not indicate whether Jones was found safe, injured or killed.
"My administration is not releasing any further information at this time due to it being an ongoing investigation and for the privacy of the family. Next of kin has been kept apprised of the status of the investigation as well as the findings," Jennifer Maund, the Public Information Officer for the Owyhee County Sheriff's Office said. "There is no concern for the public and we appreciate all of the assistance.
A family member has set up a fundraiser to help cover costs of the search efforts and Kathy's cremation.
"The Owyhee County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public and all of the law enforcement agencies who have assisted in the search of Kathy Jo and her vehicle," the sheriff's office said in a written statement.
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